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May 2011 Associates
Whether in reading Plato’s Republic, debating the philosophy behind Nigeria’s constitution, listening to insights from leading financiers and politicians, or thinking up grand, ambitious solutions to our nation’s myriad issues, my NLI experience has truly expanded my horizon and given me a new sense of possibility and optimism.
Akinseye Akinola, Emerging Capital Partners, Lagos
I am proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to become part of the NLI Network and to have experienced three wonderful days in the company of some of the finest Nigerians I have had the privilege of meeting. The seminar has refreshed my enthusiasm to make a difference and renewed within me a sense of optimism that we can and we will make Nigeria a truly great nation
Mohammed Ahmed, Abuja Investments Company Limited, Abuja
I came into NLI somewhat jaded about the prospects for Nigeria and left not entirely transformed but with a lot more hope that Nigeria can still be great and that the change we all hope for begins with ME. Listening to the facilitators and other NLI fellows challenged me to want to take a stand and make an impact in society, no matter how minute it may appear to be. Thanks, NLI, for investing in the Nigerian youth, I aim to make you and Nigeria proud.
‘Debola Akinkugbe, Associate, Aluko & Oyebode, Lagos
NLI presented an amazing opportunity to meet and communion with distinguished individuals who I truly believe are Nigeria’s future leaders. To know that our country has sons and daughters of this quality is both refreshing and inspiring. However, we will not change the status quo by doing nothing, we must make our voices heard on both sides of the Niger river and fight for the change we wish to see, because we are the change that we have been waiting for. Thank you NLI, thank you moderators and guest speakers, thank you Class of May 2011…the best class ever!
Robert Onah, Management consultant, Accenture; Co-founder Vault Noir Inc., New York
I have attended several sessions on leadership and developmental challenges of Nigeria but this has been the most incisive, encapsulating, apt and in-depth analysis of the leadership challenge we face as a nation. I can’t forget the Dele Olojede’s ‘ASK NOTHING OF GOD’, Leo Tolstoy’s ‘HOW MUCH LAND DOES A MAN NEED’ etc Indeed this has emboldened my resolve to fight the Nigerian cause.
Stephen Onyebuchi, Business Manager, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Abia
NLI remains an innovative platform for credible and young Nigerians to contribute positively to our socio-political and economic development as a nation.
Dr. Gbadebo Odularu, Regional Policies and Markets Analyst Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Accra
The NLI team led by example right through the whole process with the emphasis placed on the “team” and thus building an “institution” which functioned from start (initial contact and welcome team) to finish (the location, the learning, leaders and cocktail reception). No “airs” were shown by the leaders taking or moderating the classes and emphasis was placed on ensuring each person was heard from and the material and teachings were understood. To me, NLI is best captured by a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. – “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals”
Ladipo Oye-Somefun, Corporate Finance, BDO; Founder iDeas Capital, London
October 2010 Associates
I found this NLI experience to be quite rewarding. I learned a lot from the moderators and from my class members. The seminar was an invaluable experience which allowed me to come together with fellow future leaders of like minds who are just as passionate as I am for a better Nigeria. Through the readings and discussions I feel that I am now empowered and equipped with the skills and team of associates to contribute to make a difference in our nation and the Nigerian people. This seminar came at the right time when I was making a decision to continue to pursue my dream of working towards a better Nigeria and I will forever cherish this experience.
Tomi Ademokun, Africa Development Community Organization (ADCO) NGO – Founder and CEO
“It was engaging, interactive and certainly helpful. The facilitators and fellow participants threw in the weight of their experience in bringing the Nigerian story and challenges into proper perspective. It was a balance of fun, facts and fruitful admonitions.I was energized”
Deola Kayode, Consultant, Teleios Consulting and President, New Nigeria Club
The seminar was intense, exciting and enlightening. It was very inspiring to have a mix of experienced professionals who had worked in Nigeria as our moderators – they helped me to greatly understand the dynamics at play in the Nigerian context. The diverse talent pool of the associates in my class was greatly beneficial as we were able to assess issues from many perspectives. I have always had a passion for Nigeria’s development, but participating in the Future Leaders Seminar provided much needed confirmation that a new Nigeria is possible in my generation.
Adun Okupe, PhD Researcher, Tourism and Development in Emerging Economies, University of Surrey
NLI is an Amazing Awakening! The 3 days was the bomb. I have always believed and have faith that change will come and it has definitely started with NLI. I am so inspired and spurred to be involved in the change that we need in my organization(First Bank) and Nigeria. I will participate and do all I can to make naija a better place for all of us. I love this country and truly wish everything will come out right, starting with visionary, great and selfless leaders. RSVP it is for me and all around me. The facilitators were also great. Thank you NLI!!
Safiya Musa, Relationship Manager, First Bank, Nigeria.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at the NLI summit and ‘ I met the unexpected’. I was opportuned to have met young individuals who share the same passion for a new Nigeria. We are in a country where everything that can go wrong has gone unimaginably wrong. However, the NLI platform/forum reawakened the desire that all hope is not lost. We are the future leaders of Nigeria and we will ensure that the country takes its rightful place as the Giant of Africa.
A country built on honesty and integrity, whose strength are its human resources, whose values are not misplaced or lost, whose political environment is the envy of the international communities and whose future lies in my hands, our hands. Thank you NLI for showing me that we are the hope of tomorrow.
Shola Shobowale, First Bank, Nigeria
I usually describe myself as a “pessimistic realist”. For me, the glass is not “half-empty” or “half-full,” I just don’t want to spill any of the water! I have always looked at Nigeria as to having huge potential, but always felt frustrated regarding giving our stunted growth and development compared to under countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. The seminar afforded me a better understanding of what events led us to this point, and from that evolved a better appreciation of the issues facing us today and possibilities going forward. Even though it’s not crystal clear what steps are required to move our country forward, at least I have a better understanding of the role I need to play as a citizen of Nigeria.
The seminar also presented an invaluable opportunity to interact with like-minded peers who shared different but insightful perspectives and solutions to the challenges our country faces. Our moderators did not only assist in guiding the discussions, but leveraged their own experiences and to further enrich the experience. I also appreciated the networking experience, and I know that over those three days I developed a few friendships that will definitely go the distance.
Bayo Adeyemi, ChapelHill Denham
Enlightening! Learnt so much about Nigeria in 2+ days; became much more aware of my own responsibilities towards a better Nigeria.
Tope St. Matthew-Daniel, First Bank Nigeria.
October 2009 Associates
“Those three days at the end of October 2009 will forever linger in my mind, as it marked a turning point in my life. The leadership sessions released a fresh air in my atmosphere and restored my hope that our nation will be great again. That experience will help to shape my future and the choices I make each day. Now I constantly think of how I can help to make life worth living for the generation away.”
Yinka Odeleye, Vice President/Deputy General Manager, Corporate & Investment Banking Gorup, Citibank Nigeria
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend The NLI event. The seminar content was very valuable in terms of instilling solid values of ethics, leadership and service. It was inspiring to meet so many leaders in different spheres of influence who are committed to making change in Nigeria. I am confident that this group will go on to do great things in Nigeria. I appreciate the efforts of the sponsors and other supporters of NLI and I will ensure that the investment is effective by continuing to work towards the advancement of Nigeria.”
Aneto Okonkwo, Technology Analyst for Obama for America Campaign; Member, Obama Presidential Transition Team on Technology
“The NLI seminar was a life changing experience! I have gone from being a passive spectator, to an active change agent! I now feel a part of a larger group of people who are determined to bring change to Nigeria in our generation. Thank you!!”!
Funmi Nwachuckwu, Head of Corporate Planning & Strategy, Aso Savings & Loans, Nigeria
“The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible.” Richard M Devos
“NLI has given me the Will to Try to make things better in Nigeria!”
Hauwa Magoro, Business Development Director, Zibboo! Media Networks, UK
“It was the most productive weekend of my life! The question always arises, who will bear Nigeria’s burden? Finally I have been given the power to say we will. After the 3 day seminar I was empowered, invigorated, inspired and most of all thankful to all of those who made it possible.”
Fatima Zara Isa Modibbo, Medical Doctor, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria
“There comes a point in the history of societies when a group of people become determinate to alter the course of their common destiny so as to give value to their lives and secure a future for unborn generations. Such a time is often catalyzed by the existence of institutions grounded in faith that progress is possible. Thank you First Bank for bringing together young minds still bubbling with strength and passion, and for creating a powerful atmosphere where our energies can be harnessed and redirected to make our country great. From this moment we are most inexcusable”
Reginald Bassey, Graduate Student, City University of New York (Baruch College)
“The Seminar was a phenomenal opportunity for me to develop values-based leadership skills, learn more about the context in which my leadership is needed, and build valuable relationships with dynamic young leaders.”
Carmelle T. Norice, MD-PHD cabdidate, Columbia University, New York
“A wise man once said that many times it only takes one man to stand up for what is right and all of a sudden, people start popping up from the pavement to assist him. NLI is that one man for me. I have been so inspired by NLI, the quality of the programme and my fellow Associates, that I am committed to doing all I can to ensure that its ideals are upheld and its programmes succeed.”
Adesubomi Plumptre, Member of Executive Committee & Head of Consulting, Alder Consulting, Nigeria
“NLI had ruined me for the ordinary, no longer am I content to just sit back and watch others do the work of “fixing Nigeria” I want to be part of the process too. We all have to be part of the process. I used to hear my parents say the person that is going to fix Nigeria is either a child now or has not been born- that was over twenty years ago. So if they were right my generation is the generation to “fix” Nigeria. NLI had provided me with the education and the platform to work with likeminded fellow leaders as we embark upon this task. Many thanks for impacting my life so heavily via NLI.”
Abi Ajisafe, Algorithmic Sales Trader, Investment Technology Group, UK
“NLI has provided me with a unique opportunity, frame work and network to make a positive impact on my country. I am incredibly impressed by the past achievements of NLI, and am honoured that I am now able to contribute to its future successes, some of which will be a direct result of First Bank’s generosity- without it, our seminar may never have happened! I am therefore extremely grateful.”
Oyin Solebo, Co-Founder, MIH Investments, UK
“NLI has taught me to stop complaining but ‘do something’! The simple but very powerful paradigm that I can contribute to the desired change in Nigeria right now, with what I have and where I am has changed my life. I have humbly accepted responsibility for making Nigeria great again as though it depended on only me.”
Akin Rotimi, ABLF Young African Leaders Fellow and Co-Founder, African Youth Unite for Change
May 2009 Associates
“It’s an honour to have been selected for the Seminar and the lessons shared in the past couple of days is truly invaluable. I can think of nothing less than to look for further means of sharing this experience and getting more people involved. Thank you NLI.”
Babasola Alokolaro, General Counsel to the Governor, Lagos State Government, Nigeria
“I am totally blown away about the depth of the Seminar, the discussions and the knowledge. I am indeed really humbled to be part of this GREAT Family… Very Well Done…hope our Class would in the long term make NLI, real proud.”
Stella Duru, Senior Counsel, Banwo & Ighodalo, Nigeria
“I must sincerely confess that the seminar far exceeded my expectations. The NLI has really done a great job in organizing these seminars, the discussion and the knowledge gained these few days will go a long way in changing my perception and orientation about life. I wish you all in NLI success. I’m really proud to be an NLI member.”
Joy Nnoli, Branch Manager, First Bank Nigeria
“Thank you for the passion, the intelligence, the insights, the shared experiences and above all, the strong sense of brotherhood / sisterhood and unity – you’ve all given me so much, I can’t quite believe that it was only 3 days and 3 nights.”
Dr. Lola Solebo, Ophthalmic Surgeon, United Kingdom
“Thanks to you all for adding to my knowledge and experience last week. The seminar was a blast for me, full of energy and inspiration and powerful ideas. It was a privilege to have spent the time with you and I am confident that really transformative leadership will emerge from our ranks.”
Seke Somolu, Principal Partner and Managing Director, Sweet Media, Nigeria
“It was an amazing event. Met some truly wonderful and inspirational people. My hope is renewed and I have rededicated myself while learning some useful lessons on how to effect lasting change in people’s lives. I am so glad that I went. Thank you!!!”
Sadiq Usman, Associate, J.P. Morgan, United Kingdom
“Once again, thank you both for providing me with the privileged opportunity to be part of the May seminar. It was a truly transformational experience – one that provoked me to think differently about my role in Nigerian society; that made me realise that I even had a role – a duty to change my country; and that I could play a role – a pivotal one in helping to shape the future of our great nation.
The most surprising thing was learning what I don’t know and highlighting what I need to know – like learning more about our Nigerian history, Constitution, politics, and economy. I need to & can do more to make a difference – from making little sacrifices to committing to bigger responsibilities. Thank you all again for inspiring me, empowering me with the relevant knowledge & skills, enabling me to meet, learn from and build lasting relationships with outstanding individuals, and transforming me into an individual that is capable of transforming Nigeria. I left Nigeria feeling like I was part of something big – revolutionary, and now part of a group that would make history by changing the future: May 21 – 23 was one of the most productive weekends of my life. ”
Tara Idiegbe, Graduate Student, Harvard Business School, US
